Bakery’s bag charity is on a roll

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Published:14:54Updated:15:38Friday 30 January 2015

A small Kirkintilloch bakery is making a big difference to local good causes by donating all its plastic bag charge cash to charity.

And in the first three months Majella’s, 48 Cowgate, has collected £50, the equivalent of 1000 bag sales.

Helen Jenkins from Majella's

The money is going to Campsie View additional needs school in Lenzie, a cause which is close to bakery owner Helen Jenkins’ heart.

Helen (56) from Lennoxtown, said: ‘‘Our customers have been fine about the bag charge. I have a tin that says it is for the carrier bag charge, and when I tell people it is going to charity, this time Campsie View, people often put in extra. I have lovely customers here.’’

The introduction of the carrier bag charge by the Scottish Government is meant to help protect the environment and persuade shoppers to reuse their bags.

Shops are entitled to use the money raised in any way they wish but Majella’s, which is in the former Mathieson’s unit in Kirkintilloch, wanted to do something special.

The bakery/cafe has a loyal clientele and its business ethos and customer service helped win it the Scottish micro business of the year title in 2013.

Helen explained why she chose that charity. ‘‘I know it is a special needs school and they need so much, so that is why I chose them. However, I am going to pick a different charity every three months, and would like my customers to nominated good causes they think should benefit.’’

Carole Bowie, headteacher at Campsie View, was delighted with news of the cash.

‘‘We have had quite positive links with Helen over a number of years and it is really nice that a local business can see their way to supporting us.

‘‘We’ve got a huge project on just now which we are trying to fundraise for to improve paths in the outdoor area. Staff and parents do a lot of fundraising for this, but to get a gift unexpectedly is a bit of a treat for us. Not having to do it ourselves is very much appreciated and we’re very grateful.’’

At the time of the carrier bag charge launch environment secretary Richard Lochhead said: ‘‘Our carrier bag addiction is symptomatic of our throwaway culture and has serious implications for the environment. Huge numbers of these bags end up as litter, blighting our communities and clogging up our seas.’’

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